If you’re a high schooler in Dallas looking for a research opportunity outside the classroom, consider a summer research program from the ones below!
Engaging in research programs outside the classroom allows you to explore your interests, whether in STEM fields, develop artistic skills, or gain insight into a field of your choice through hands-on experiences.
The following list highlights 8 summer research programs in Dallas, including research mentorship programs, research immersions, and research pre-college programs!
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts throughout the year.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders. Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more. Horizon also offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs you with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project.
At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper. You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
3. Summer Biology Research Workshop – The University of Texas at Dallas
Location: University of Texas, Dallas
Program Dates/ Duration: 8 July – 2nd August
Cost: $1500. Need-based scholarships available
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders are eligible to apply
Deadline: March 31
The UTD Biology Research Workshop is a four-week, non-residential summer program for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. It offers hands-on research experience at the University of Texas at Dallas, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Over the first two weeks, you will train in laboratory techniques in biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and data analytics. This will help you develop skills in experimental design, molecular analysis, and computational biology.
In the final two weeks, you will be matched with research laboratories specializing in fields such as neuroscience and microbiology, gaining direct experience in scientific inquiry and data-driven research methods.
4. NanoExplorers – Nanotech Institute | The University of Texas at Dallas
Location: Nanotech Institute, University of Texas at Dallas
Program Dates/ Duration: June 2 to August 1
Cost: No stipend for participating in the program
Eligibility: Students entering 10th to 12th grade who have a high GPA, good test scores, and take advanced AP/IB science and math courses.
Deadline: March 28
The George A. Jeffrey NanoExplorers Program is a summer research opportunity for high school students entering grades 10-12 who are interested in nanotechnology and scientific research. You will gain hands-on experience working in university research labs on funded projects from agencies such as NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Defense. The program emphasizes experimental design, data analysis, and technical problem-solving.
You will work a minimum of 30 hours per week alongside faculty mentors, contributing to research in areas such as materials science, nanomedicine, and advanced manufacturing. Training includes the use of specialized lab equipment and software for molecular modelling, microscopy, and computational analysis. Admission is competitive, with limited spots available based on academic background, time commitment, and research interests.
The following programs don’t follow a traditional research program structure, but will help you gain exposure and experience in fields of your interest:
5. Information Technology and Systems Exploration Summer Camp | Naveen Jindal School of Management
Location: University of Texas at Dallas, Jindal School of Management
Program Dates/ Duration: Usually lasts from June 5 – July 28 but dates to be announced
Cost: $395
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th graders are eligible to apply
Deadline: Applications usually open in March
The ITS Exploration Camp at UT Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management provides an introduction to information technology systems and their real-world applications. You will work on developing critical problem-solving and analytical skills through faculty-led sessions while exploring core IT concepts such as data management, cybersecurity, and software development.
The program includes hands-on experience with industry-relevant tools and software and corporate site visits to companies like Texas Instruments and NetScout, where you will gain insight into IT-driven business solutions. Additionally, you will get a firsthand look at college life through campus tours, including residence halls and student activity spaces.
6. Computer Science K-12 Outreach | The University of Texas at Dallas
Location: University of Texas, Dallas and online
Program Dates/ Duration: June 9 – August 1 (8 weeks)
Cost: $1600
Eligibility: Advanced-level high school students can apply (ideally students finishing 10th and 11th grade). In-person attendance is limited to students who are of age 16 or higher.
Deadline: Discount on applications till April 1, late fee kicks in after May 9
The UTD Artificial Intelligence Workshop is an eight-week, in-person summer program designed for advanced high school students (ages 16 and up) with prior experience in Python and high school-level math. This program covers core AI and machine learning concepts, including data processing, statistical analysis, and model building.
You will work with tools such as NumPy and pandas for data analysis, TensorFlow for deep learning, and frameworks for neural networks, including convolutional (CNN) and recurrent (RNN) models. The workshop emphasizes practical application, guiding you through AI/ML model development, evaluation techniques like ROC curves, and hands-on project work. Instruction is led by UTD CS faculty, alongside graduate and doctorate students.
7. 2025 STARS Summer Science Camp
Location: University of Texas Southwestern
Program Dates/ Duration:
- Chemistry Camp – July 10 – July 18 – Current 9th graders
- Physics Camp – July 10 – July 18 – Current 10th graders
- Anatomy and Physiology – June 5 – June 13 – Current 10th and 11th graders
- Biotechnology – June 24 – July 2 – Current 11th and 12th graders
Cost: No cost
Eligibility: All applicants must be 16 years old by June 1, be currently classified as a junior, and be enrolled in high school and residents of the State of Texas.
Deadline: March 7
The STARS Science Camps at UT Southwestern provide high school students with hands-on experience in biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy & physiology through laboratory work, classroom instruction, and faculty-led discussions. You will develop practical skills in scientific analysis, experiment design, and data interpretation while working with subject-specific tools and techniques relevant to each discipline.
The program includes guest lectures from UT Southwestern faculty and guided tours of research facilities, offering exposure to real-world scientific applications. Camps are held in person on the UT Southwestern campus, with specific sessions designed for students preparing for freshman-level biology, sophomore-level chemistry, junior-level physics, or anatomy & physiology coursework.
8. Prefreshman Engineering Program (TexPREP), Dallas College
Location: Cedar Valley Campus, Dallas College
Program Dates/ Duration: June 10 to July 19
Cost: No information on fees or financial aid is provided.
Eligibility: To qualify for Year 1 of PREP, students must be entering the seventh, eighth, ninth, or tenth grade in the upcoming academic year, have a grade of 85 or better in mathematics, science, and/or English
Deadline: May 31
The Pre-Freshman Engineering Program (PREP) at Dallas College is a six-week summer program designed for middle and high school students with strong mathematical skills who want to explore STEM subjects in a college setting. You will gain experience in problem-solving, mathematical modeling, engineering concepts and scientific computing.
You will also work with subject-specific software such as MATLAB and Python for data analysis and simulations. The curriculum includes structured coursework, hands-on projects, and mentorship from faculty and professionals in the field. Sessions are held in person at the Cedar Valley and Richland campuses, with virtual participation available as needed. Admission is selective, and eligibility is based on academic performance.
9. Virtual Coding Camps in Summer 2025 – The University of Texas at Dallas
Location: Virtual (offered by UT Dallas)
Program Dates/ Duration: Multiple dates and schedules from June 9 to August 1
Cost: $200 fee (2 weeks), $400 fee (4 weeks). There is a 50% discount for low-income families
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply
Deadline: No deadline for registration is mentioned
The Summer 2025 Virtual Coding Camps provide a structured approach to learning programming, focusing on skill development over multiple weeks. Sessions are limited to 1.5 hours to ensure effective learning, with recorded sessions available for review. All the camp sessions run 5 days a week (Monday-Friday). The Creative Coding with JavaScript course introduces programming using p5.js, a browser-based environment with an integrated coding editor and graphics library.
You will develop interactive graphics, animations, and simple visual simulations while learning fundamental programming concepts such as drawing and colouring basics, animations, mouse interactions, control structures, and array manipulation. Additional camps include Gentle Introduction to Coding (no prerequisites, sponsored by State Farm), Problem-Solving in Java, and Problem-Solving in Python, both of which require prior experience with JavaScript-based coding.
10. Summer Art Academy, UT Dallas
Location: The University of Dallas Art Department, Irving, Dallas County, TX
Program Dates/ Duration: June 16 -20
Cost: $450
Eligibility: Applicants can be students entering 7th grade, through to graduating seniors
Deadline: March 1
The University of Dallas Summer Art Academy is a weeklong program designed to develop technical and conceptual skills in visual arts. Held at the Art Village on the University of Dallas campus in Irving, TX, the academy provides hands-on experience in ceramics, printmaking, and drawing. You will work with multiple media, learn techniques in 2D and 3D art-making, and refine your understanding of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. The curriculum includes structured studio sessions, guided exploration of mixed media techniques, and an opportunity to work with professional artists and instructors.
Mornings begin with a theory-based session in Art History, followed by practical studio work in ceramics, printmaking, and drawing. Afternoon sessions focus on project completion and skill refinement, leading up to a final art exhibit where you will curate and present your work. The 2D component of the program involves mixed-media drawing techniques, emphasizing layering and composition. The 3D segment covers additive and subtractive sculpture methods, including armature construction and plaster carving, with attention to surface treatment and textural applications. Sessions run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, with no residential option available.
Image source – The University of Texas at Dallas logo
